Inclusion Desk

The Inclusion Desk is a multi-platform reporting effort by WXXI News to inform and transform attitudes and behavior about inclusion. The Inclusion Desk grew from the Move to Include partnership between WXXI and the Golisano Foundation. Through programming and special events, WXXI and the Golisano Foundation﻿ look to build a more inclusive community by inspiring and motivating people to embrace different abilities and include all people in every aspect of community life.﻿﻿

The Joseph F. and Helen C. Dyer Arts Center at Rochester Institute of Technology’s National Technical Institute for the Deaf (NTID) shares the visual works of deaf and hard of hearing artists with the public on a daily basis. The gallery showcases artwork created by current students, alumni, and artists who are nationally and internationally renowned.

Paychex founder and philanthropist Tom Golisano and the Golisano Foundation have been recognized among the 30 great givers and causes by Forbes magazine in their article on “Philanthropy’s Big Bets for Social Change."

A nonprofit advisory firm, The Bridgespan Group and Forbes Magazine teamed up to showcase some of the largest, most promising philanthropic gifts aimed at solving social problems in the U.S. and around the globe.

A law firm that has filed a class action suit seeking expansion of residential opportunities for people with developmental disabilities is expecting to get a legal response soon from the state.

The law firm of Kenney, Shelton, Liptak, Nowak LLP filed the suit earlier this year against Governor Cuomo and the head of the NYS Office for People with Developmental Disabilities.

Special Counsel Bruce Goldstein says the waiting list for adults who need these kinds of residential opportunities is growing, with about 2,000 families in Western New York on a waiting list right now.

Shovels are in the ground for a new 56-unit apartment complex in Brockport that will provide housing for a diverse group of residents, including people with developmental disabilities.

Gerald DeWinde, of Pittsford, is hoping to become one of the tenants at Frances Apartments.

The 46-year-old is wheelchair-bound and has been living with cerebral palsy since birth. He currently shares a house with other individuals; all are helped by support workers because of their disabilities.

Rochester City Court Judge Caroline Morrison has recused herself from a case regarding the attack of an autistic teen, claiming her continued involvement may spark public perception of bias and confusion.

Morrison made her announcement in court Friday, after the accused, 57-year-old Martin MacDonald of Pittsford, pleaded not guilty to a second-degree harassment charge.

“I think it’s appropriate that this case start over with a new judge,” Morrison said.

In this special episode of Second Opinion LIVE, we talk about Down Syndrome. One in every 691 babies in the U.S. is born with Down Syndrome, making it the most common genetic condition. Approximately 400,000 Americans have Down Syndrome, and about 6,000 babies are born with the condition each year.

Kids with Down Syndrome face unique challenges as they transition from childhood to adulthood. We talk to a mother and son, and a pediatrician about what caregivers can do to help young people with Down Syndrome successfully transition into adult life. Our guests:

This hour of Connections is part of the Second Opinion LIVE webcast series and also WXXI’s Inclusion Desk, spotlighting issues related to disabilities. The WXXI Inclusion Desk is part of Move to Include, a partnership to encourage thoughtful discussion about issues of inclusion and the differently-abled.

Members of the Rochester community are forming groups and speaking out following the alleged assault of Chase Coleman.

The autistic teen from Syracuse was running with his school’s cross country team in Cobbs Hill Park on October 14, when 57-year old Martin McDonald of Pittsford allegedly got out of his car, approached Coleman and shoved him to the ground.

"It hit us right in the gut in a really profound kind of way," said Lauren Hall.

Rochester Police officers are reaching out to a Syracuse area teen who was the victim of an alleged assault last month at Cobb's Hill Park.

The incident involving a non-verbal autistic teenager on October 14th has garnered national attention.

According to his mother and eyewitnesses, 15-year-old Chase Coleman was participating in a cross country run at Cobb's Hill Park, when a middle-aged, Rochester-area man got out of his car, approached Coleman during the race and shoved him to the ground.